Power outages on the job can not only be inconvenient and costly, they can also be a major safety hazard! Whether it’s at a shop, jobsite, office, or another working location, losing power can create dangerous working conditions. It is important to have a plan in place if you experience a power outage at work, and equally crucial to make sure everyone on your team is educated about what to do should you lose power.
In event of a power outage, ensure your team has the answers to each of these questions:
-If the power goes out in your building, do you have a backup power source (batteries / generator)?
-Is everyone on the team aware of the system and how to start it and shut it down?
-Are there critical operations that need to be shut down (electrical circuits / systems)?
-How do you get in touch / communicate with your team members in the dark (or after hours)?
-Do you have an employee emergency contact list for all employees?
-Do you perform ongoing training to keep everyone informed of your emergency procedures.
-Is you employee phone roster up to date?
-Do you have a list of vendor contact information, should you need to contact a vendor?
Power Outage Tip: Double Check Your Exit Signs
In the event of a blackout, fire exits need to be properly marked. Exit routes and exit access (i.e. fire doors) must be clear and unblocked to allow for quick and safe exit in case of an emergency. Blocking and obstructing exit doors and routes can create delay, panic, and confusion in the case of an emergency and acts as a safety hazard.
Check your exit signs and an emergency lights to ensure they function properly. Lighted / illuminated exit signs provide clear guidance on the safest route out of a building, reducing panic and facilitating a swift evacuation.
In the event of a power outage, it’s easy to focus on the lost productivity and downtime that comes with no electricity. But it’s also important to have safety protocols in place, because decreased visibility or sudden power loss can create dangerous situations. As always, check in with your team about your safety plan, and ask questions if you are unsure of the protocol.
Check out the rest of Triad Machinery’s Safety Corner blogs for more tips and info on jobsite safety!
